Monitoring and Evaluation for Learning and Adaptation (MELA) Initiative

1. Catalysing Whole Child Development: Learning from System Change Dynamics

The Catalysing Whole Child Development program in Bangladesh, implemented by five partners, aims to strengthen the country’s early childhood development (ECD) systems. Initially guided by a developmental evaluation approach, the collaboration has adopted outcome mapping to better respond to evolving dynamics. To address the central learning question—how to embed a whole child development approach within government systems—the study applies the Water of Systems Change framework.

To support the design, share findings, and promote collective reflection, several reflection workshops were held. Learning briefs, an initial evaluation report, and a preliminary systems learning report were produced.

In addition to supporting learning, BIGD and IPA (Innovations for Poverty Action) also provide M&E support to the implementing partners: icddr,b, Synergos, Bangladesh ECD Network (BEN), BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED), and the Frameworks Institute. The initiative is funded by Porticus.

2. Learning Agenda and M&E Support for BRAC International in Africa

BIGD contributed to BRAC International’s AIM program by leading its baseline survey, consulting on the learning agenda, and providing training on quantitative M&E data analysis for BRAC’s country programs in Africa.

BIGD contributed to the design of the Learning Agenda for the AIM program. This working document serves as a roadmap for exploring a range of development assumptions, country and
community contexts, and possible risks and challenges. The Accelerating Impact for Young Women (AIM) program, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower 1.2 million adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through age-appropriate training and supports for entrepreneurship, employability, and life skills. The program is currently being implemented in seven African countries.

Baseline data collection was conducted in four countries—Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda, and
Tanzania —between February and April 2023. To capture the complexity of this large-scale, multi-sectoral intervention across diverse contexts, a structured questionnaire was used comprising 12 sections, covering sectoral issues, gender equity, and social advocacy. The findings from the baseline served as the foundation for designing the program’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework.

3. Understanding Barriers and Opportunities for Women Motorcyclists in Bangladesh

This research project, undertaken by BIGD and BRAC’s Road Safety Program explores the challenges and potential for women using motorcycles in Bangladesh, both for personal transport and income generation. Through surveys and interviews in Dhaka and Chittagong, the research examines social norms, safety, financial access, and market demand.

Exploring the barriers faced by women motorcyclists is a complex social issue at the intersection of gender norms, transport systems, and road safety—domains where women face multiple, overlapping challenges. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for designing inclusive and equitable mobility solutions.

Data collection is now complete, with 712 survey responses and 30+ interviews conducted. Findings will inform inclusive policy, support program design, and guide the development of a residential training initiative for aspiring women riders.

4. Socio-economic Profiling of Street Vendors in Bangladesh

Nearly 85% of Bangladesh’s workforce is engaged in informal employment, with street vendors
playing a vital role. In Dhaka city alone, their number is estimated at around 300,000. They face
challenges such as legal ambiguity, lack of social protection, financial exclusion, and eviction threats.

Existing studies mostly focus on isolated aspects of their lives, leaving gaps that limit comprehensive analysis and hinder effective policy and programme planning. This study is jointly undertaken by BIGD, BRAC’s Advocacy and Social Change Program, and the Social Empowerment and Legal Program (SELP). In its first phase, the study will survey approximately 400 street vendors and interview relevant stakeholders in Dhaka, with the following objectives:

•  Develop demographic profiles of street vendors in Dhaka
• Assess their socio-economic conditions, challenges, and needs
• Analyse the policy and legal context, including conflicting stakeholder interests